TV Drama Production and Film Production in Los Angeles Continue to Slide

Production of feature films and television drama series in Los Angeles continues to erode, the Los Angeles Times reports, citing a report from FilmLA Inc.

Television drama production in the city is down almost 40% from its 2008 peak, the story reports, while film production in Los Angeles is also down from its peak, with a 50% decline from its high point in 1996.

“The data reflect the growing competition California faces to keep film crews close to Hollywood. More than 40 U.S. states and 30 countries offers some type of tax credit or incentive to attract the film industry,” the piece notes.

Industry groups are working to support new legislation that would extend and expand California’s TV and film tax credit, which will expire in 2017. The article reports: “California allocates $100 million annually, but proponents are seeking to at least double the funding levels to better compete with rivals, while removing various restrictions that limit who can qualify for the subsidies.”

In a statement, L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti said: "This report underscores the urgency of our work to reverse runaway production. The entertainment industry is a cornerstone of our civic identity and our economy, with 500,000 jobs at stake. I will cut red tape at City Hall and fight in Sacramento to make sure L.A. is the best possible place for production and ensure that we are always the entertainment capital of the world."